Call it neglectful or forgetful or whatever but my hoa's went past due and versus getting a $1 piece of mail saying to pay up else I was greeted by a certified piece of mail stating that I was being taken to court for the past due amount ''reasonable attorney fees'' and Estimated court costs to the tune of $1200. I know this is a responsibility as a homeowner in this burb that we must pay the fees. I have zero issue with that and paying my dues. My problem is that for the $361 that was late I ended up paying $1200 in costs. Would it have not been better for the HOA PR to send a notice telling me that if I don't pay then I will be getting the court docs and further charges versus possibly making someone pay a mortgage payment extra and then not be able to pay their actual mortgage payment if they didn't have sufficient funds and default/foreclose on their mortgage? I don't really know what all these expenses go towards but after this fiasco I am making it my goal in life to make sure other first time homeowners do not live in this area. This is in Manzanita by the way not the established Eastern Stroh Ranch. Any thoughts from the rest of the population?

PCMS funds lawyers

I think the management company, PCMS, is all too ready to hand over the HOA funds or the home owners funds to the lawyers. If I had it to do over, I would never have moved into this neighbor. As I'm stuck with the low rate mortgage I have, and connot afforf to move, I'm stuck. If you are researching neighborhoods, avoid this one. Things like ''cables must be painted the same color as the house'' violations, not being able to use the street in front of your own house for parking, violation letters for a dozen weeds in the yard, etc. Unless you like being micromanaged, avoid this HOA.

HOA

Anyone ever read ''Fahrenheit 451''? This HOA is horrible. I understand fully the purpose of an HOA, but this neighborhood is overboard. The so-called inpsectors are partial to certain neighbors, the rules are nearly impossible to follow, and their idea of a perfect neighborhood is to make it pretty on the outside and disregard the variables of humanity and individuality. Some neighbors will call in with complaints about other neighbors whom they do not like, and an ''inspector'' will go by and write up a violation. Meanwhile, a different neighbor may have the same violation, but will not have a formal complaint written. Hmmmm. Why should I have permission to plant a flower garden in my front yard? I own that land, I own the house, and I pay the taxes for the property. I should not have to obtain permission as to what, when, and where I can beautify my own home. To note, I have checked into various parking issues with multiple law enforcement personnel, and I would encourage anyone who has paid fines for parking on the street to fight it. The street is public property, over which the HOA has absolutely no jurisdiction. In addition, they have no ticketing or fining capabilities on a public street. Only law enforcement officials may ticket anyone for their own jurisdiction. The HOA attempts to get bypass the syntax by calling it a ''fine,'' but again, they have no jurisdiction or right or privilege to do so when the street is public property.

HOA is out of control

Dear Vetter,

That's how this HOA operates - they are charging me $1,900 for parking in front of my house - constant barrage of rude letters. I will move because there attitude and hostility has created a hostile living environment for me. Just to mention, I am a good citizen, have never even had a traffic ticket and am a teacher. If the HOA wants to drive away good people, they are managing it.